Despite Rodriguez repeatedly saying he was healthy — and he was asked often — Sherman reports that Rodriguez was playing with a tear at the end of last season. The injury might account for the significant dip in his offensive numbers. If so, the surgery could be a blessing for the Yankees, who now have an explanation for Rodriguez’s struggles and might have a reasonable expectation that he can become a power hitter again.

That said, it’s surgery. And it’s missed time. And it’s a sensitive part of the roster to begin with. Now the Yankees will have both Derek Jeter and Rodriguez coming back from surgery when spring training opens in February. The team’s need for additional infield depth is now an absolute must.